A heart attack can sometimes begin with mild or less obvious symptoms. Do not wait for symptoms to settle on their own. Recognising the warning signs and seeking emergency medical care promptly can be critical.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) heart attack guidance, common symptoms include chest discomfort, pain that may spread to the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck or back, shortness of breath, light-headedness and cold sweating.

Care24 Medical Center & Hospital, Erode, shares 7 important heart attack warning signs that everyone should know.

1. Chest Pain, Pressure or Heaviness

Chest pain, pressure, squeezing or heaviness is one of the most common warning signs of a heart attack.

The discomfort may occur in the centre or left side of the chest. It can feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, squeezing or aching and may last for several minutes or go away and return.

The American Heart Association’s heart attack warning signs explains that chest discomfort is one of the key symptoms and should not be ignored.

Tamil: நெஞ்சு வலி, அழுத்தம் அல்லது கனத்த உணர்வு

2. Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness or difficulty breathing can occur during a heart attack, sometimes with or without chest discomfort.

It may occur during physical activity or even while resting.

The NHLBI heart attack symptoms guide lists shortness of breath among the possible symptoms of a heart attack.

Tamil: மூச்சுத்திணறல் அல்லது சுவாசிப்பதில் சிரமம்

3. Sudden, Unexplained Sweating

Sudden cold sweating or unusual sweating without an obvious reason can be a warning sign of a heart attack.

Do not simply assume that unexplained sweating is caused by hot weather or physical exertion, particularly when it occurs together with chest discomfort, breathlessness or dizziness.

The CDC’s information on heart attack symptoms includes cold sweating among recognised warning signs.

Tamil: காரணமில்லாமல் திடீரென அதிகமாக வியர்த்தல்

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint may occur during a heart attack.

If sudden dizziness appears together with chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating or other warning signs, seek emergency medical attention.

The Mayo Clinic’s heart attack symptom guide identifies lightheadedness and sudden dizziness among possible symptoms.

Tamil: தலைசுற்றல் அல்லது மயக்கம் போன்ற உணர்வு

5. Pain in the Arm, Shoulder, Back, Neck or Jaw

Heart attack discomfort does not always remain in the chest.

Pain or discomfort may spread to one or both arms, the shoulders, back, neck or jaw.

The NHS heart attack guidance notes that heart attack chest pain can spread to the arm, neck or jaw.

The American College of Cardiology’s CardioSmart guidance also identifies discomfort in the arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw as a possible heart attack symptom.

Tamil: கை, தோள், முதுகு, கழுத்து அல்லது தாடையில் வலி

6. Sudden, Unusual Fatigue

Sudden or unusual tiredness can sometimes occur during a heart attack.

This symptom can be particularly important in women, older adults and people with diabetes, who may experience less typical symptoms.

The MedlinePlus heart attack information notes that women, older adults and people with diabetes may experience subtle or unusual symptoms, including fatigue and weakness.

The Johns Hopkins Medicine heart attack guide also lists unexplained weakness or fatigue among possible symptoms.

Tamil: திடீரென ஏற்படும் அதிகப்படியான சோர்வு

7. Symptoms That Persist, Return or Worsen

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. They may begin suddenly or develop gradually, and some symptoms may come and go.

Do not assume that symptoms are harmless simply because they improve temporarily.

The British Heart Foundation’s heart attack guidance explains that symptoms can vary between people and that chest discomfort may sometimes come and go.

The Cleveland Clinic’s heart attack guidance also emphasises that a heart attack is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Tamil: அறிகுறிகள் நீடித்தால், மீண்டும் ஏற்பட்டால் அல்லது தீவிரமானால் உடனடி மருத்துவ உதவி தேவை

Heart Attack Symptoms Can Be Different for Different People

Not everyone experiences a heart attack in the same way.

Some people have prominent chest discomfort, while others may experience breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or pain in the back, jaw, shoulder or arm.

The WHO cardiovascular disease guidance notes that women may be more likely to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back pain or jaw pain.

A heart attack can also occur with mild symptoms or, in some cases, without obvious symptoms.

What Should You Do If You Notice These Warning Signs?

Do not wait for the symptoms to settle on their own.

If you or someone around you develops symptoms that could indicate a heart attack:

1. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

2. Do not ignore persistent, returning or worsening symptoms.

3. Call emergency medical services rather than delaying care.

4. Do not drive yourself to the hospital if emergency transport is available.

The MedlinePlus first-aid guidance for heart attack advises seeking emergency medical help immediately and not waiting when a heart attack is suspected.

Cardiac Care at Care24 Medical Center & Hospital, Erode

For patients looking for specialist cardiac care in Erode, the Care24 Cardiology Department provides cardiac evaluation, diagnostic services, emergency cardiac care and interventional cardiology services.

Patients can also learn more about Dr. P. Vijay, MD, DNB (Cardiology), FSCAI, Consultant – Full-Time Cardiac & Interventional Cardiologist at Care24.

For advanced cardiac procedures and interventions, explore Cardio Intervention services at Care24, which includes coronary angiography, PCI, angioplasty, OCT-guided imaging and other interventional cardiology procedures.

Care24’s 24/7 Emergency & Trauma Care provides emergency support for patients requiring urgent medical attention.

The hospital’s Advanced Radiology & Imaging services provide diagnostic imaging support, including CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound.

Patients requiring broader critical care can also learn about Care24’s multispecialty ICU services in Erode.

For additional information about Care24’s infrastructure and facilities, visit the Care24 Hospital Facilities page.

You can also read the hospital’s guide to choosing a cardiology hospital in Erode for information about cardiac consultations, diagnostics and specialist care.

For patients seeking information about Care24’s broader cardiac services and expertise, visit the Care24 cardiac care information page.

Learn more about Care24 Medical Center & Hospital through the Care24 Hospital Home Page.

Emergency Cardiac Care in Erode

If you or someone near you is experiencing symptoms that may indicate a heart attack, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Care24 Medical Center & Hospital
📍 No. 78/1-10, Perundurai Road, Near Parimalam Mahal, Erode – 638 012
📞 24/7 Emergency: 888-3343-666

For appointments and hospital directions, visit the Care24 Contact & Appointment page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common warning sign of a heart attack?

Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing or heaviness, is one of the most common heart attack symptoms. However, symptoms can vary between individuals.

Can a heart attack happen without chest pain?

Yes. Some people may experience little or no chest pain. Other symptoms can include breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue or discomfort in the back, jaw, shoulder or arms.

Can heart attack symptoms come and go?

Yes. Heart attack symptoms can sometimes come and go. Temporary improvement does not necessarily mean that the problem is harmless, so suspected heart attack symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.

Are heart attack symptoms different in women?

Women can experience the common chest symptoms of a heart attack, but they may also experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, dizziness, or back and jaw discomfort.

When should I seek emergency care for heart attack symptoms?

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack. Do not wait for symptoms to disappear or become severe.

Where can I get cardiac emergency care in Erode?

Care24 Medical Center & Hospital in Erode provides cardiology services and emergency cardiac care. Visit the Care24 Cardiology Department or Contact Care24 for hospital and appointment information.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general health awareness and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone near you is experiencing possible heart attack symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.